Podguy

As strange as it might seem I removed the leather from one of my rear quarter panels today and it is saveable. However, the backing is shot. I know someone makes some very expensive door panel backings, but are there any third party quarter panel backing makers?

Thanks

Hilton

Dan not sure what you mean?

Do you mean the actual fiberboard frame - which is 2 pieces riveted together (the C-pillar bit, and the main bit)?

Or do you mean the shaped foam blocks that go behind it to seal/insulate noise and vibration?

I had the reverse situation - the leather on my full-leather car had shrunk, and slightly deformed the outer lip of the panel under the quarter windows, but the panel was straightenable using some clamped aluminium and heat.

illini-heel

Any pix? I may have similar issue on my son's '84. They're deformed at the top near the quarter glass.

Podguy

I am talking about the quarter panel backing. I have pulled off the leather and the thin foam padding. Yes the upper part is fine - it is made out of plastic. I could reform the panel but it is so rotted that it will not hold a shape.

The 78 early cars had plastic panels that did not warp. But that was for only a short while. I guess it would be possible to build a form and vacuum form the backing. I was just hoping give the other work I have to do that I might find someone with either a excess of panels from a 78 or who is making the backings.

Yes the leather shrank but I caught it before it got too dry and have reconditioned the leather so it is soft and flexible.